Lois Ann Hillery

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Lois Ann Hillery (VandeZande) of Racine, Wisconsin on April 30th, 2025, at the age of 92. Lois was born April 12, 1933, in Alto, Wisconsin, the daughter of Chris and Bertha (Wernlund) Vande Zande.

She Graduated from Waupun High School, Class of 1951. Lois married Milton C. Hillery in 1952 and the two raised five children: Linda, Luann, Michael, Mark, and Matthew. Milton and Lois divorced in 1976. Lois retired from Walker Mfg. in May of 1996 after seventeen years of service. Lois enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing her piano, and writing poetry. She loved spending time with her five children, 16 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren. In her retirement, Lois enjoyed occasional trips with her travel companions Donna, Jackie, and Margret.

Lois was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Racine where, for over thirty years, she was the organist. She sang with the Racine Choral and volunteered with the Harmony Club. She actively supported the Racine Theater Guild, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and the Racine Choral Society. She was also a member of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. She played piano and organ for many different occasions over the years.

She will always be remembered for her beautiful and kind smile, her warm compassion, and genuine love for others. To know Lois was to love her. She was a beautiful Christian woman.

Remaining to cherish Lois’s memory are: Children Linda (Jim) Payton of River Falls, Wi., Michael (Mary Lou) Hillery of Iowa City, IA., Mark (Mary) Hillery of Racine, Matthew (Ashely) Hillery of Milford, ME. and son-in-law Robert McCoy of Racine. Sixteen Grandchildren: Kristin, Emily, Amanda, Hillary, Jonathan, Rachel, Joshua, Rebekah, Marcus, Michael, Matthew, Max, Jessica, Eric, Elisabeth and Jack. As well as 28 great-grandchildren, countless cousins, nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Preceding Lois in death are: her daughter Luann McCoy, parents: Chris and Bertha Vande Zande, Sister: Dorothy (Warren, Mouw) brothers: Lyle ( Jane) Vande Zande , Robert ( Shirley) Vande Zande, Harold (Kathleen) Vande Zande. Nephews: Daniel Loomans and Karl Vande Zande. As well as her very dear friend Don Ristow.

Visitation with the family will be on Friday May 16th from 4:00 pm until time of service at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial to be held at Old Stone Church and Oak Mound Cemetery N4042 Amity Rd. Alto, WI on Saturday May 17th at 12:00pm.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Parkview Gardens, along with Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion shown our Mother during her final days.